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The Underground Library: A Heartwarming and Inspiring Historical Fiction Book Based on a True Story by Jennifer Ryan

The Underground Library: A Heartwarming and Inspiring Historical Fiction Book Based on a True Story

by Jennifer Ryan

The Underground Library wasn’t on my TBR. It was a loan from my Mum, who insisted I must read it immediately.

What a gorgeous story!

It is indeed a heartwarming and inspiring tale, based on a true story that I had no previous idea of. I love reading about community spirit. I think we have much less of that today, sadly.

I love that the library, books, and the women involved in this story become a safe place for everyone living through the war, facing air-raids (which must be terrifying!), and spending endless nights sleeping in the underground stations of London to keep themselves safe. I can’t even imagine what that must have been like.

It’s especially inspiring given that women didn’t hold much weight when it came to certain jobs (according to men) back then. I really admire Juliet for what she achieves and how she inspires and involves other women in her life. I read a lot about how much women managed to keep things going during the war, whilst the boys were away, and this story really highlights the fact.

This is a story full of love, friendship, of coming together as a community, and the importance of books as a means of escape and comfort.

A truly gorgeous story. I loved it and will be adding Jennifer Ryan’s other books to my Wishlist.

Three women united by their love of books. One library that has the power to change lives, even in wartime . . .

When Juliet begins work at Bethnal Green Library, she discovers it is far from the bustling hub she was expecting. But, in the face of German Blitz attacks, she’s intent on making it a place where everyone feels safe and welcome.

Katie is thrilled to be working at the library, too. But, after the death of her sweetheart on the front line, she’s in desperate need of support.

Sofie, a Jewish refugee, escapes to the library every chance she gets. Though she finds comfort and friendship there, her position in London remains vulnerable.

When bombs wreck the library, the books are relocated to an underground station. As the war rages, can the women use their fighting spirit to overcome their own troubles and keep the library open to all?

Inspired by the true story of Bethnal Green Library, The Underground Library is a historical novel about love, friendship and the power of the human spirit. ­

Happy reading!

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The Berlin Agent (John Cook, Book 2) by Stephen Ronson @Stephen_Ronson #NetGalley

The Berlin Agent (John Cook, Book 2)

by Stephen Ronson 

Having read, and thoroughly enjoyed, The Last Line I was excited to receive an invite to read and review The Berlin Agent. (Apologies to the author and publisher for the delay.)

John Cook is a brilliant character. I think I said in my previous review that he is a bloke I would want on my side in any kind of crisis. I imagine he’s quite easy on the eye too!

During this book, Cook and Lady Margaret are tasked with fighting the Nazi’s as they land on British soil. Risking their own lives in the hope of protecting the country, and the people, they love.  A risky mission, but one which Cook accepts without question for his own safety.

This book is full of action and suspense. It even has a bit of romance, which I love!

A brilliantly written historical fiction novel. An excellent series so far. I look forward to book three!

** Many thanks to the author and publisher for my review copy via NetGalley **

A country at war. Bombers fill the skies. A parachute drops in the dead of night…

‘A gripping World War Two thriller that masterfully blends historical accuracy with intense action… Every shadow hides a potential threat, and the tension never lets up. A must read’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

England 1940: Paris has fallen to the Third Reich. Farmer John Cook and society heiress Lady Margaret are waiting for the day when German tanks roll across the green fields of their homes. Both are ready for the moment they will disappear into the woods and the fields to carry out their top-secret orders – to do whatever it takes to fight the Nazis once they arrive on British soil.

Their worst fears are realised when a parachutist drops from a German bomber during an air raid. Arriving at the scene, Cook finds the white silk hanging from a branch, and a mysterious crate containing a complex piece of machinery. The spy is nowhere to be found.

But at night, Cook and Margaret hear German voices in the darkness. Reports come in of others hearing similar things, and there are whispers of an agent from Berlin…

With enemies already hiding among them, how far will Cook and Margaret go to protect the country and the people they love?

An absolutely gripping WWII historical thriller that will leave you breathless. Perfect for fans of Robert Harris, Kate Quinn and Rory Clements.

Everyone is gripped by the John Cook novels:

‘Thrilling WWII set thriller that has heart-pounding action, but more importantly, a lot of heart… Completely gripping… A narrative that is as taut as piano wire!.. .Not to be missed if you enjoy action-packed historical thrillers’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘My God, this was great. It left me with a book hangover. I felt like I was there in 1940s England… I learned so much from this book… The writing is really 3D. You really feel like you’re there. It’s very immersive, and I love the witty humour. John Cook is a wonderful character’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘John Cook is the Jack Reacher of 1940’s Britain‘ Damien Lewis

‘A compelling read and felt as if I was actually back in 1939. A delicious group of main characters… Great read’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A brilliant noir thriller set in the darkest days of the Second World War‘ Stephen Leather

Treat yourself

I.C.Y.M.I

The Last Line by Stephen Ronson @Stephen_Ronson

Happy reading!

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The Last Line by Stephen Ronson @Stephen_Ronson

The Last Line

by Stephen Ronson 

The Last Line is a WWII thriller where we are introduced to war veteran, John Cook.

Cook hears about a young girl who has disappeared since being evacuated from London and he makes it his business to find out where she, and countless other missing children, have gone.

What he discovers is beyond horrific and he will make those responsible pay.

I can only imagine what it must have been like for people in this country who lived through the war. Especially those who had to surrender their children to evacuation in the hope of keeping them safe. It doesn’t even bear thinking about it.

To think your child didn’t even reach their destination and to have no idea what has happened/is happening to them, I would never be able to rest.

Thankfully Cook won’t rest either. He is most definitely someone I would want on my side!

The Last Line is a compelling debut with an excellent storyline and brilliant characterisation. I hope there will be a book two!

‘John Cook is the Jack Reacher of 1940’s Britain’ – Damien Lewis

*****

May 1940.

With Nazi forces sweeping across France, invasion seems imminent. The English Channel has never felt so narrow.

In rural Sussex, war veteran John Cook has been tasked with preparing the resistance effort, should the worst happen.

But even as the foreign threat looms, it’s rumours of a missing child that are troubling Cook. A twelve-year-old girl was evacuated from London and never seen again, and she’s just the tip of the iceberg – countless evacuees haven’t made it to their host families.

As Cook investigates, he uncovers a dark conspiracy that reaches to the highest ranks of society. He will do whatever it takes to make the culprits pay. There are some lines you just don’t cross.

THE LAST LINE is a blistering action thriller combined with a smart noir mystery, played out expertly against the taut backdrop of the British home front.

Happy reading!